Poor Duncan just wants to color. But when he opens his box of crayons, he finds only letters, all saying the same thing: His crayons have had enough! What conversations would you have with crayons?
1. Questions to ask your child before reading the book:
- Do you have certain crayons or markers you always use to draw the same things?
- Which crayon is your favorite to use? Why?
2. WATCH and LISTEN to “The Day the Crayons Quit” by Drew Daywalt, illustrated by Oliver Jeffers here:
3. Questions to ask your child after reading the book:
- Why are the crayons are upset? Do you agree with them or disagree?
- Which crayon gives the best reason for quitting?
- Which color should paint the sun? Why?
- What else could you draw with beige?
- What’s special about Duncan’s picture at the end of the book?
- How does each letter tell a different side of the same story? What is the whole story? (maybe best suited for older children)
4. ACTION RHYME: Five Little Crayons
Five little crayons standing in a row (hold up 5 fingers)
The first one said, “I’m red, you know!” (wiggle each finger as you talk about it)
The second one said, “I’m green like a tree”
The third one said, “I’m blue like the sea”
The fourth one said, “I’m yellow as the sun”
The fifth one said, “Being purple is fun!”
Five little crayons, happy as can be (hold up 5 fingers)
Coloring pictures with you and me (point to child and then yourself)
6. Color in this Curious George coloring page. (Click here to download.) Can you make each crayon a different color?
7. Choose an activity (or two!) to extend learning:
- MEMORY MATCH
- VOCABULARY BUILDER
- ART: If you have crayons and watercolor paint at home, have your child use a white crayon to draw a design (or anything!) on a piece of white paper. It’s hard to see the design because it is white crayon on white paper. Now have them use their watercolor paints on the piece of paper. Voila! Their white crayon design is revealed.
8. If you liked this book, you can find the sequel here: